Veteran Benefits & Resources in Texas

Introduction

Texas is home to more than 1.5 million military veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. The state has a strong military tradition and offers a wide network of support through state veteran benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Texas so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Texas

Hazlewood Act – Tuition Exemption

The Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities for eligible Texas veterans. In some cases, unused hours may be transferred to a veteran’s child through the Hazlewood Legacy program.

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Texas offers significant property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, with benefits increasing based on the veteran’s disability rating. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.

Source:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/disabledvet-100-faq.php

Texas Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in hiring for Texas state government jobs, helping veterans transition into public service careers.

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/employment/

Texas Veteran License Plate Program

Texas offers a wide variety of military and veteran specialty license plates, including plates for Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, and other service distinctions.

Source:
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/license-plates/military

Veteran Designation on Texas Driver License

Texas veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or state ID, making it easier to verify veteran status when accessing services and benefits.

Source:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/veteran-designation-driver-license

VA & Healthcare Resources

Texas veterans have access to one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the country.

VA Medical Centers

Major VA hospitals in Texas include:

• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
• Dallas VA Medical Center
• South Texas Veterans Health Care System
• Central Texas Veterans Health Care System

These facilities provide comprehensive care including primary care, specialty services, mental health support, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

Texas operates dozens of VA outpatient clinics in cities throughout the state, expanding access to care in rural and urban areas.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer confidential counseling and support services for combat veterans, service members, and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Texas veterans can receive assistance from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Apply for state and federal benefits
• Obtain military records
• Connect with local veteran resources

Directory of Texas County Veteran Service Officers:

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/locate-a-county-service-officer/

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Texas State Veterans Homes

Texas operates several State Veterans Homes providing long-term care and skilled nursing services for eligible veterans.

Locations include:

• Texas State Veterans Home – Austin
• Texas State Veterans Home – Bonham
• Texas State Veterans Home – Floresville
• Texas State Veterans Home – El Paso

Source:
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/homes/

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Texas veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing organizations that serve veterans across the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Combined Arms

A Houston-based nonprofit that connects veterans to employment opportunities, healthcare resources, and community support through a coordinated network of service providers.

https://www.combinedarms.us

Boot Campaign

Supports veteran health and wellness through programs addressing PTSD, brain health, and transition challenges.

https://bootcampaign.org

Carry The Load

A Texas-based nonprofit that raises awareness and provides support programs for military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

https://carrytheload.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Texas provides several resources supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program

Offers business mentoring, education, and resources specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

https://www.tvc.texas.gov/entrepreneurs/

Texas Small Business Development Center Network

Provides counseling, training, and business planning assistance for veteran-owned businesses.

https://americassbdc.org/small-business-consulting-and-training/find-your-sbdc/

SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center

Offers mentorship, training, and guidance for veterans starting or expanding businesses.

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Texas hosts a wide variety of veteran-focused events throughout the year that connect veterans with employment opportunities, services, and community support.

These include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down events
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Veteran networking and support groups

These programs help veterans connect with services, employers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Texas can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Texas Veterans Commission.

4. Connect with veteran nonprofits that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Texas Veterans Commission
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Texas veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series.